The Equadorian capital Quito was built on the ruins of an Inca city during the 16th century. The city is located on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, at an altitude of 2850 metres. The Pichincha Volcano is in the Andean valley just below the equator. It last erupted in 1666.
The Baroque style of Quito is a blend of European and local traditions. The artistic, architectural and decorative elements of the citadels of Quito are undoubtedly the greatest contribution of Spanish America to the world of art. The spiritual citadels such as San Francisco, San Domingo, San Augustin, La Compana, and La Merced are examples for this.
Quito is the oldest capital in South America and the second highest official capital city in the world. Quito has also stayed true to its original style despite centuries of urban development. It is the birthplace of many Pre-Colombian cultures and a witness to Spanish colonisation. The Old Town of Quito was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Quito and Krakow in Poland are the first World Cultural Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO.
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